Red Wine Hot Chocolate With Cinnamon And Sugar Doughnut Bites

Red Wine Hot Chocolate With 

Cinnamon and Sugar Doughnut Bites

We know red wine pairs well with dark chocolate, so why not incorporate the two into one cozy hot chocolate? This is a decadent adult version of a childhood favourite that uses lightly sweetened Parisian-style hot chocolate for the base. It is the perfect drink for dipping Cinnamon Sugar Doughnut Bites into.

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups (375 mL) whole milk
1/2 cup (125 mL) half & half cream
2 tbsp (30 mL) granulated sugar
8 oz (225 g) good-quality 70% dark chocolate, finely chopped
1 tsp (5 mL) pure vanilla extract
3/4 cup (175 mL) Merlot
Whipped cream for topping
Shaved chocolate for garnish

Directions:

In a saucepan over low heat, whisk together milk, cream and sugar. Bring to a gentle simmer (do not boil) and remove from heat.

Whisk in chocolate, vanilla and Merlot.

Divide between 2 mugs. Top with whipped cream and garnish with shaved chocolate.

Serves 2

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CINNAMON SUGAR DOUGHNUT BITES

Doughnut bites are an easy alternative to frying up full-size doughnuts at home: no deep-fryer required, just a simple one-bowl batter that comes together within minutes. However, it is important to use a thermometer to keep a consistent temperature and ensure the doughnut bites cook evenly. Similar to dipping churros in a warm chocolate sauce, these doughnut bites taste great dipped in Red Wine Hot Chocolate.

Canola oil for frying
­1/4 cup (60 mL) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup (125 mL) packed light brown sugar
1 large egg, whisked
1 tsp (5 mL) pure vanilla extract
1/2 cup (125 mL) whole milk
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp (2 mL) fine salt
2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder
1/2 tsp (2 mL) ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp (1 mL) ground nutmeg
Cinnamon sugar (1 cup/250 mL sugar
+ 2 tbsp/30 mL ground cinnamon) for rolling

Directions:

Fit a heavy-bottomed pot with a deep-fry or candy thermometer and pour in oil to come 2 ­inches (5 cm) up side of the pot. Heat oil over medium heat until the thermometer reaches 350°F (177°C).

As the oil heats up, prepare the batter. In a mixing bowl, whisk together butter, brown sugar, egg, vanilla and milk until well-blended.

Sift in flour, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir until batter comes together.

When oil reaches 350°F (177°C), spoon in the batter, using heaping 1 tbsp (15 mL) per doughnut. Make 3 or 4 doughnut bites at a time. For evenly sized doughnuts, use a 3/4 to 1 oz ice cream scoop. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.

Use a slotted spoon to remove doughnut bites and transfer them to a plate lined with a paper towel. Roll in cinnamon sugar while doughnuts are still warm. Repeat until no more batter remains
Makes 16 to 20 doughnut bites

Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu

Pumpkin Spice Tiramisu

This mash-up of a pumpkin spice latte and tiramisu gives the beloved dessert all the fall feels. To save time, you could use packaged ladyfingers instead—you will need approximately 30. Instead of mascarpone, you could use two 250-g bars of softened, Philadelphia-style cream cheese. 

Ingredents:
Ladyfingers
4 large eggs, separated
1/2 cup (125 mL) sugar, divided
1 tsp (5 mL) vanilla extract
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
1 tbsp (15 mL) pumpkin spice
3/4 cup (175 mL) all-purpose flour
1 tbsp (15 mL) icing sugar
Tiramisu
1 1/2 cups (375 mL) whipping cream
1 tub (475 g) mascarpone
10 tbsp (150 mL) sugar, divided
2 tsp (10 mL) vanilla extract
1 cup (250 mL) pumpkin purée
1 cup (250 mL) hot water
2 tbsp (30 mL) instant espresso
2 1/2 tsp (12 mL) pumpkin spice, divided
1 tsp (5 mL) icing sugar
2 tbsp (30 mL) roasted pumpkin seeds, chopped
Directions:
For the ladyfingers, preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment.

In a large bowl, beat egg whites with a hand mixer until frothy, about 1 minute. Add 1/4 cup (60 mL) sugar and continue beating on high speed until stiff peaks form, 4 to 5 minutes.

In a separate bowl, beat egg yolks with remaining 1/4 cup (60 mL) sugar, vanilla and salt on high speed until light, creamy and doubled in volume, about 3 minutes. Gently fold egg whites into yolk mixture in two stages. Gently fold in pumpkin spice and flour, 1/4 cup (60 mL) at a time.

Spoon batter into a piping bag fitted with a 1/2-inch (1-cm) round tip. Pipe batter into two rows of 4-inch (10-cm) lines, 2 inches (5 cm) apart on prepared sheet. Dust with icing sugar.

Bake, one sheet at a time, until lightly golden around edges and the centres spring back when lightly touched, about 20 minutes. Remove from oven and cool completely. (Ladyfingers will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week.)

For the tiramisu, whip cream in a large bowl with a hand mixer on medium speed until stiff peaks form, about 4 minutes. Beat in mascarpone, 6 tbsp (90 mL) sugar and vanilla until smooth, about 1 minute. Remove 3 cups (750 mL) of mixture and set aside. Beat pumpkin purée and remaining 4 tbsp (60 mL) sugar into remaining mixture.

In a shallow bowl, stir hot water with espresso powder and 2 tsp (10 mL) pumpkin spice. Let cool 10 minutes. Stir to mix any settled spice. Quickly immerse lady fingers in mixture and line up in rows in one layer along bottom of a 10-inch (25-cm) square pan with high edges. Spread pumpkin mixture overtop to cover ladyfinger base. Top with additional layer of dipped ladyfingers, saving rest for another use.

Spoon reserved cream mixture into piping bag fitted with a large star tip. Pipe dollops by rows to cover lady fingers. Stir remaining 1/2 tsp (2 mL) pumpkin spice with icing sugar. Lightly dust overtop. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Sprinkle with chopped pumpkin seeds before serving. Serves 9 to 12

Bruleed Cheese

Bruleed Cheese

Slice rind off top of a Brie or Camembert wheel. Evenly sprinkle cut side of cheese with 1 to 2 tbsp white sugar.  Caramelize with a culinary torch or under the broiler, for 2 to 3 minutes or until browned and bubbly.  Allow brûlée to harden slightly and serve with a cheese knife, for cracking with crackers and fruit.

Unfried Chicken With Thyme Ranch

Unfried Chicken With Thyme Ranch

To simulate the flavour and crunch of fried chicken, thighs and drummies are seasoned with Old Bay, dipped in eggs and buttermilk then coated in crushed cornflakes. Baked to golden perfection, the juicy pieces are served with a tangy ranch dip flavoured with thyme. When shopping for cooking spray, look for brands where the only ingredient is oil.CJJ

Ingredients:
Thyme Ranch Dip
1/2 cup (125 mL) mayonnaise, preferably Hellmann’s
1/2 cup (125 mL) shaken buttermilk
2 tsp (10 mL) fresh lemon juice
1 small clove garlic, grated on rasp
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup (60 mL) finely sliced chives
1 tsp (5 mL) finely chopped thyme
Chicken
6 skin-on, bone-in chicken thighs, about 1 3/4 lbs (795 g) total
6 skin-on chicken drumsticks, about 1 1/3 lbs (605 g) total
Old Bay Seasoning and salt to taste
Olive or canola oil spray
6 cups (1.5 L) cornflakes
2 large eggs
1/4 cup (60 mL) shaken buttermilk
1 tsp (5 mL) paprika
1/2 tsp (2 mL) garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Flaky sea salt to finish (optional)
Frank’s RedHot sauce for serving

Directions:
For the ranch, whisk mayo, buttermilk, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a mixing bowl until smooth. Stir in herbs. Transfer to an airtight container. Cover and refrigerate up to 1 week.

For the chicken, lay out chicken on a baking tray. Pat dry with paper towel. Season lightly with Old Bay then lightly with salt. Transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate overnight.

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with foil. Cover with a rack. Spray rack with oil.

Place cornflakes in a large freezer bag. Press out air and seal. Using a rolling pin, roll bag to crush cereal until most flakes are 1/4 inch (5 mm) or less. Transfer to a shallow baking dish. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Working one piece at a time, dip chicken in egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Dredge in cornflake mixture and place on prepared tray, skin side up. Spray chicken with canola oil. Bake on middle rack until crispy and cooked through, about 45 minutes.

Remove from oven and transfer to a serving platter. Sprinkle lightly with flaky salt (if desired) and serve with Thyme Ranch Dip and Frank’s RedHot sauce.
Serves 4 to 6

Crusted Salmon With Green Beans And Preserved Lemon Sauce

Crusted Salmon With Green Beans 

And Preserved Lemon Sauce

The semolina on top of the salmon gives a lovely crust and the paprika adds to the flavor. 

Ingredients:
25g (1oz) semolina
1 tsp paprika
4 × 125g (4½oz) salmon fillets, skinned
A large knob of soft butter, plus extra for greasing
Small bunch of parsley, stalks removed and reserved
175g (6oz) samphire substitute green beans or asparagus
½ lemon, cut into 4 wedges, to serve
Lemon Sauce
1 large or 2 small preserved lemons, quartered and pips removed
Juice of ½ lemon
3 tbsp mayonnaise
200g (7oz) full fat crème fraîche

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 200°C/180°C fan/Gas 6 and butter a baking sheet.

Sprinkle the semolina and paprika on to a large plate and season with salt and black pepper. Spread the top of each salmon fillet with the butter and press the fillets, buttered side down, on to the semolina to give an even crust.

Lay the parsley stalks on the baking sheet and sit the salmon fillets on top of the stalks. Bake in the oven for 15–18 minutes, until the salmon is just opaque and the top is crisp and golden. If liquid is beginning to seep out of the salmon, it is overcooked – it should be holding the juices.

To make the sauce, gather up the parsley leaves and place in a food processor. Add the preserved lemon(s) and whiz until finely chopped. Add the lemon juice, mayonnaise and crème fraîche and season with salt and pepper – go easy on the salt as the lemons are preserved in brine. Process until finely chopped.

When you are ready to serve, boil the samphire in salted water for 2 minutes, then drain, and heat the sauce gently until just melted.

Arrange the hot salmon fillets on a plate with the samphire, sauce and a lemon wedge alongside.

Salmon can be prepared with crust on top up to 4 hours ahead. Sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead.
Not for freezing.

Melted Onions

 

Melted Onions

                                       Easy Peasy and Quick

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). 

Peel and cut three small onions in half crosswise (through their equator) 

Place halves in 6 small ramekins. 

Generously season with salt and pepper,  

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until soft. 

Melt 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter and brush over onion tops. 

Bake until deeply golden, up to 40 minutes.

Sometimes I add pieces of a beef bouillon cube for extra flavor.  It tastes like French Onion Soup.

Persimmon And Pomegranate Salad

 

Persimmon And Pomegranate Salad

Persimmon season for this delicious fruit is short lived.  It is delicious used in salads or baked in cakes, cookies, or sweet breads.

Ingredients:
5 persimmons, thinly sliced into 1/8"- 1/4" rounds

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
1/2 lemon, for juicing
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons cilantro leaves
2 tablespoons mint leaves
sea salt

Pumpkin Spice Latte

 

Everyone's Favorite Gourd Is For More Than Pie

Ingredients

2 tsp pumpkin-pie spice

2 cups 3.25% milk

1/3 cup canned pumpkin purée

3 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tsp vanilla

2 tbsp instant espresso powder

1/4 cup sweetened whipped cream

cinnamon or grated nutmeg, (optional)

• Directions:

  Toast spice in a small non-stick saucepan over medium-low until fragrant, 2 min.

  
  

  Whisk in milk, pumpkin and sugar. Increase heat to medium-high. Cook until milk begins to steam and bubbles form at edges of pan, 3 to 5 minutes

  
  

  Divide espresso between 2 mugs. Pour in milk mixture and stir until espresso dissolves. Top with whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon.

  
  

  Blend of spices for Pumpkin Latte or use this homemade blend as pumpkin-pie spice. Combine 1 tbsp cinnamon, 1 tbsp ginger, 1 tsp allspice and 1/2 tsp each cloves and nutmeg.

Quick White Beans and Celery Ragout

 

Quick White Beans and Celery Ragout

Inspired by a Chez Panisse recipe that uses fresh shell beans, this simple ragout is so delicious. Sauté celery, zucchini and scallions with a glug of olive oil, then add canned beans and cook until warmed. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add the beans at the beginning of cooking so they break down as they’re stirred. Serve with grilled bread, pearl couscous or farro. Soft herbs like basil or parsley, tender greens like arugula or mâche, or pesto or salsa verde would all make for a lovely garnish.  My daughter served this dish when I visited with her.  I got the copy of the recipe and made it when I returned home.  It will be a  favorite of mine!

Ingredients:

⅔ cup vegetable stock, plus more as needed
⅓ cup extra-virgin olive oil
4 stalks celery, thinly sliced on an angle, leaves reserved
2 medium zucchini (about 7 ounces each), trimmed, quartered lengthwise then cut into ½-inch pieces
2 scallions, thinly sliced on an angle
Kosher salt and black pepper
2 (15-ounce) cans cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
Crème fraîche, mascarpone or sour cream, for serving
Pesto (or soft herbs like basil or parsley), for serving
Cooked pearl couscous or grilled bread, for serving

Directions:
Combine the stock, oil, celery, zucchini and scallions in a large, deep skillet; season generously with salt and pepper. Cook over medium-high, stirring occasionally, until crisp-tender, adding the beans halfway through, about 10 minutes total. If you’d like to make it brothier, add ⅓ cup vegetable stock and warm for 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper.

Divide among shallow bowls. Top with a dollop of crème fraîche, drizzle with pesto and top with celery leaves. Serve with couscous or grilled bread. Yield 4 to 6 servings.

Paleo Granola

                                 Paleo Granola

Ingredients:

1 cup coconut chips
!/2 cup unsweetened Grated coconut
1/3 cup cacao nibs
1/3 cup honey
1/3 cup extra virgin coconut oil
1 teaspoon ground cake spices w/ pinch black pepper
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
Zest of an organic lemon

1 pound and 2 ounces mixed:  hazelnuts, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, hemp, pecans, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, cashews

Directions:

Preheat oven to 320*F.  Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.

Place the nuts in the bowl of a food processor or blender, and process using short pulses until roughly chopped, stirring every few pulses, for even chopping.  The goal is to have bigger and smaller bits.  Pour into a mixing bowl.

Add the remaining ingredients and stir vigorously until well combined.  Pay particular attention to the honey and coconut oil: they will tend to remain as individual wads, and you need to coax them into mingling with the other ingredients.

Pour out onto the prepared baking sheet and spread out evenly.

Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring every ten minutes, until golden brown.

Let the granola cool completely on the sheet -- it will crisp as it cools -- then transfer to an airtight container.  It will keep for 3 weeks at cool room temperature or a couple of months in the refrigerator.

Amish Cinnamon bread

Amish Cinnamon Bread

Our Amish Cinnamon Bread tastes like it came from a bakery!  Amish Cinnamon Bread is a very quick and easy bread made with a few ingredients!  It makes a great breakfast, dessert, or even housewarming gift.
Ingredients
For The Batter:

1 cup butter, softened
2 cups sugar
2 eggs
2 cups buttermilk or homemade buttermilk— 2 cups milk plus 2 tablespoons vinegar or lemon juice
4 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
The Cinnamon Sugar Mixture:

2/3 cups sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
Directions: 
Cream together 

1 cup butter, 

2 cups of sugar,  

2 eggs. 

Add 2 cups buttermilk 

4 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda. 

Put 1/2 of batter (or a little less) into greased loaf pans (1/4 in each pan). 

Mix in separate bowl the 2/3 c sugar and cinnamon.

Sprinkle 3/4 of cinnamon mixture on top of the 1/2 batter in each pan. Add remaining batter to pans; 

Sprinkle with last of cinnamon topping. Swirl with a knife. 

Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 min. or until toothpick tester come clean. Cool in pan for 20 minutes before removing from pan. 

Makes 2 loaves

Amaya Prawns

                                                        

Amaya Prawns

The Mango Paste that you make yields more than this recipe calls for. Use the leftover to flavor dips, or as sauces, or as part of a dressing for a mango salad. Serve as a first course.  Serves 4
Ingredients
10 oz (300 g) large raw shrimp (about 12)
¼ cup (50 mL) lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 mL) Curry Powder (see below)
½ tsp (2 mL) kosher salt
2 tbsp (25 mL) vegetable oil
1 cup (250 mL) diced onion cut into 1-inch (2.5-cm) triangles
2 cups (500 mL) diced green, yellow and red peppers cut into 1-inch 

   (2.5-cm) triangles
2 tbsp (25 mL) Mango Paste (see below)
1 cup (250 mL) coconut milk½ tsp (2 mL) dry fenugreek powder
1 tsp (5 mL) garlic paste
Salt to taste

Directions:
Peel and de-vein shrimp, leaving the tail attached. Rinse and pat dry.

Marinate shrimp with lemon juice, 1½ tsp (7 mL) Curry Powder, garlic paste and ½ tsp (2 mL) salt for 10 minutes. Drain shrimp.

Heat 2 tbsp (25 mL) oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add onions and peppers and sauté for 2 minutes or until beginning to soften. Add shrimp and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes or until shrimp are pink and slightly curled.

Add 

Green Mango Paste, 

coconut milk, 

fenugreek powder, 

garlic paste and remaining 

1½ tsp (7 mL) Curry Powder and 

Simmer gently over low heat for 2 to 3 minutes longer or until shrimp are cooked through. Season with salt to taste.
Serve shrimps and some peppers as a first course. 

Makes 1 tbsp (15 mL) Curry Powder    Serves 4

Mango Paste
Green mangoes are available at Asian supermarkets. They are unripe mangoes and are quite tart. Mango paste is often used as an ingredient in Thai curries although this is Amaya’s version.
Ingredients:

Mango Paste:
4 oz (100 g) raw green mango
2 green chillies, finely chopped
½ tsp (2 mL) garlic paste
Directions:
Place mango, chillies and garlic paste in food processor or mini chop. Purée until paste-like.

Salmon Fish Sticks With Prosciutto, Mushroom and Pesto Tartar Sauce

                                                   

                                      Salmon Fish Sticks with Prosciutto

Mushrooms and Pesto Tartar SauceIn this fish dish tailor-made for a lighter red wine such as Pinot Noir or Gamay, thick salmon sticks are wrapped in prosciutto and wine-cooked mushrooms. A cool pesto tartar sauce flatters both fish and ham. Pre-sliced, packaged prosciutto is the perfect size for this preparation. The dish is just as good cold, so it makes a perfect picnic offering in warmer weather. Serves 4 to 6 as a main or 8 to 10 as an appetizer
Ingredients:
Pesto Tartar Sauce
2 tbsp (30 mL) finely chopped shallot
1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup + 2 tbsp (60 + 30 mL) mayonnaise
1/2 cup (125 mL) full-fat sour cream
3 tbsp (45 mL) stirred basil pesto (without cheese)
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Fish Sticks
1 tbsp (15 mL) olive oil, plus more for brushing
1 tbsp (15 mL) unsalted butter
1/2 lb (225 g) shiitake mushrooms, stemmed, thinly sliced
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1/4 cup (60 mL) dry, fruity red wine, preferably Pinot Noir
1 1/2 lbs (680 g) salmon fillet, cut from tail end, skin removed
16 thin slices prosciutto, about 3 x 7 inches (8 x 18 cm) each
Directions:
For the tartar sauce, combine shallot and lemon juice in a mixing bowl. Let stand 15 minutes. Stir in remaining ingredients until combined. Transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 1 week.

For the fish sticks, heat oil in a large, nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat. When hot, add butter then mushrooms, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until mostly wilted, about 3 minutes. Raise heat to high. Cook, stirring often, until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes more. Add wine and cook until evaporated, about 20 seconds. Transfer to a plate to cool.

Using a very sharp knife, cut salmon into strips, approximately 11/4 x 4 inches (3 x 10 cm). (If you have a scale, they should range between 40 and 45 g each.) Lay out on a tray and season with pepper.

Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C).

Working one at a time, lay out a prosciutto slice with the short side close to you. Place a piece of salmon perpendicular to the prosciutto about 1 1/2 inches (4 cm) from bottom. Top salmon with a single layer of mushrooms, about 6 slices. Roll up and place on a parchment-lined baking tray, seam side down. Repeat with remaining prosciutto, salmon and mushrooms. (Fish sticks can be formed, covered in plastic wrap and refrigerated up to 4 hours in advance.)

Brush fish sticks lightly with olive oil and bake until salmon is just done, about 8 minutes. Serve warm, at room temperature or cold with pesto tartar sauce.

Serves 4 to 6 as a main or 8 to 10 as an appetizer

Rosemary Chicken Stew

Rosemary Chicken Stew

Serves 4.
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts 
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1/2 cup chopped onions
1/2 cup diced celery
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
1 small red bell pepper, cut into 3/4 inch squares 
1/4 cup flour
1 3/4 cup chicken broth
1-10 ounce bag of frozen baby onions, thawed
3 tablespoons dry sherry
2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

Ruce or Mashed Potatoes
Directions:
Trim the chicken of all fat and cut into one inch cubes. Rinse the chicken and pat it dry. Drying the chicken pieces before sautéing encourages browning rather than steaming.

Melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a 4-quart Dutch oven or saucepan over medium heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until chicken is very lightly browned on all sides, 3 to 4 minutes. It does not have to be cooked through at this point. Remove chicken to a plate and set aside. If the chicken is browned too much at this point, the stew will not stay a nice light creamy color.

Lower the heat to medium and add the 2 tablespoons remaining butter to the pot. Add the chopped onion, celery and rosemary to the melted butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 3 minutes. Add the red bell pepper cubes and cook an additional minute.

Stir the flour into the vegetable mixture and continue to cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Increase the heat to medium-high and stir in the chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer; lower the heat, and simmer, covered, 10 minutes, stirring once or twice.

Return the chicken and any accumulated juices to the pot along with the baby onions and cook, uncovered, until the chicken is cooked through and the onions are hot, about 5 minutes. Taste and season with more salt and pepper. Just before serving, stir in the dry sherry and minced parsley. Serve with rice or mashed potatoes.   

Potato Chip Salad

                                                         

Potato Chip Salad

A light lettuce and herb salad is tossed with a bright lime dressing and salt and vinegar chips, which act like tangy croutons. You need kettle-cooked chips—such as Kettle Brand, Miss Vickies, Trader Joe's, or Covered Bridge—for this recipe, as they’ll maintain their crunch when dressed. Instead of parsley and mint, you could swap in delicate herbs like dill, tarragon, basil or chives.

Ingredients:

1 lime, sliced into thin rounds, ends saved or juicing
1/4 cup (60 mL) olive oil
2 tsp (10 mL) fresh lime juice
1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt
2 cups (500 mL) packed torn frisée leaves
2 cups (500 mL) packed baby arugula
1/2 cup (125 mL) packed flat-leaf parsley leaves
1/2 cup (125 mL) packed mint leaves
1 cup (250 mL) kettle-cooked salt and vinegar chips
Flaky sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Arugula microgreens for serving (optional)

Directions: 

In a small frying pan, lay lime slices in a single layer. Pour in oil and place over medium heat. Cook until fragrant and lightly browned, about 2 minutes per side. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl. Discard limes. Whisk in lime juice and salt. Set aside. (Whisk again before using.)

Place frisée and arugula in a large bowl. Roughly chop or tear any large herb leaves, leaving small leaves intact. Add to bowl with lettuces. Toss greens with enough dressing to coat lightly, saving rest for another use.

Lightly crush potato chips with your hands and add to bowl. Gently toss to combine. Season with flaky salt and pepper. Serve immediately, topped with a sprinkling of microgreens, if using. Serves 4

Blooming Onion With Dipping Sauce

Blooming Onion With Dipping Sauce

Breaded and deep-fried onions are a staple in many restaurants. They're also delicious at home, but they can be difficult to make. If you're looking for an easier way to enjoy this appetizer, consider using your air fryer! Read on for step-by-step instructions on how to make the perfect air fryer blooming onion.
Ingredients:
1 large sweet onion
2 large eggs
1/2 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 pinch cayenne pepper, or black pepper
Directions:
Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees F, air fryer setting.
Slice the top 1/2 inch of the stem end of the onion and peel the whole onion.
Place the onion cut side down so the root end is facing up on a cutting board.
Taking a knife, about 1/2 inch from the root, cut down four slices, so the onion is now cut into fourths but still intact. Between those cuts, make three more even cuts, making sure not to cut through the root or accidentally cut off a chunk. Turn the onion right side up and generally separate the petals, set aside.                                                                              

In a medium-sized bowl, big enough to fit the onion, whisk the eggs and buttermilk together, set aside.  

In another medium-sized bowl large enough to fit the onion, whisk together the flour, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and cayenne.

The best you can dip the onion in the buttermilk mixture, coating everything. You may need to use your hands for this. Place the onion into the flour and coat with the flour. 

Separate the petals in each step to make sure to coat. Shake off any excess flour. Dip the onion once again in the buttermilk mixture the once again in the flour mixture. You can also open the petals up and sprinkle the flour inside to make sure everything is coated.

Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Place the onion cut side up into the basket.

Spray very generously with cooking spray.

Air Fry for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown, and the onion is tender.  

About every 8 minutes, open up the air fryer and respray cooking spray on top.

Serve with the dipping sauce.

Dipping Sauce
Ingredients:

½ cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons cream-style horseradish sauce
1 tablespoon ketchup
⅓ teaspoon paprika
⅓ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
⅛ teaspoon dried oregano
1 pinch ground black pepper
Directions:

Combine the ingredients and refrigerate until ready to serve. Best to make ahead allowing flavors to develop and meld.

Pumpkin Latte ~ Pumpkin Pie Spice

This is the same spice for Pumpkin Latte or Pumpkin Pie Spice.
Warning: you might be tempted to put this tasty spice on just about everything.
Ingredients:
1 tbsp cinnamon
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp allspice
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Directions:

Combine cinnamon, ginger, allspice, cloves and nutmeg.  Whisk well to blend.

See recipe, Post of "Pumpkin Spice Latte".

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups

Creamy Chicken Alfredo Lasagna Roll-Ups

Ingredients

2 cups Alfredo sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 lasagna noodles
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

Cook the lasagna noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and lay them flat on a clean surface.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, ricotta cheese, half of the mozzarella cheese, half of the Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce onto each lasagna noodle.
Spoon a generous amount of the chicken mixture onto each noodle and spread it evenly.

Carefully roll up each noodle and place them seam-side down in the prepared baking dish.

Pour the remaining Alfredo sauce over the rolled noodles, making sure they are all evenly covered.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and Parmesan cheese over the top.
Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is golden brown.

Garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired before serving

Hugo Cocktail

Hugo Cocktail

This light, floral and refreshing spritz is a great excuse to drink Prosecco on the rocks. It was created in 2005 by Roland Gruber in South Tyrol, a province in the Italian Alps. He brought the idea with him when he moved to Switzerland, where it became a hugely popular drink.  Makes 1 drink 

Ingredients:
4 oz Prosecco, chilled
1 oz St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
1 oz club soda, chilled
2 lime wheels
Mint sprig
Directions:
Fill a chilled wine glass three quarters full with ice. 

Slowly pour in Prosecco followed by liqueur. Top with club soda. 

Lightly stir and garnish with lime wheels and mint. 

No-Cook Beet and Labneh Dip

No-Cook Beet and Labneh Dip

Get all the flavour of fresh, earthy beets without all the work with this delightful, layered dip that comes together quickly, thanks to precooked beets. Look for them in the produce section of your local grocery store. Contrast their flavour with creamy labneh and tangy goat cheese before sprinkling everything with a good dose of olive oil and fresh herbs. Makes 10 to 12 servings as an appetizer

Ingredients:

1 cup (250 mL) labneh

5 oz (140 g) goat cheese

4 small or medium precooked beets

3 tbsp (45 mL) good-quality olive oil plus 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 mL) 

    more for drizzling 

2 tbsp (30 mL) freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/4 tsp (1 mL) kosher or fine sea salt plus a pinch or two more for  

    finishing

2 tbsp (30 mL) coarsely chopped shelled pistachios

1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 mL) chopped dill                                                 Directions: 

In a food processor, whirl labneh with goat cheese until mixed. Scrape into a rimmed serving dish or wide serving bowl. Spread to edges. Add beets to processor (there’s no need to wash the food processor bowl; just scrape out as much of the labneh mixture as possible).

Whirl beets with 3 tbsp (45 mL) olive oil, 2 tbsp (30 mL) lemon juice and 1/4 tsp (1 mL) salt until fairly smooth. Scrape into a mound in centre of labneh mixture. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with a pinch or two of salt, then pistachios and dill. Serve with pretzel crackers or pita chips.

Makes 2 1/2 cups (625 mL) dip for 10 to 12 appetizer servings

Melted Onions

Melted Onions

Easy Peasy and Quick

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C). 

Peel and cut three small onions in half crosswise (through their equator) 

Place halves in 6 small ramekins. 

Generously season with salt and pepper,  

Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, until soft. 

Melt 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter and brush over onion tops. 

Bake until deeply golden, up to 40 minutes.

Sometimes I add pieces of a beef bouillon cube for extra flavor.  It tastes like French Onion Soup.

Preserved Lemon Aioli

Preserved Lemon Aïoli

Moroccan-style preserved lemons (and a bit of their brine) give this aïoli a depth of flavour you can’t get from fresh lemons. Look for them at gourmet food shops.   Makes 1 1/2 cups (375 mL)
Ingredients
2 large egg yolks
2 cloves garlic, grated
1 whole small preserved lemon, rinsed, seeded, chopped, about 4 tsp (20 mL)
1 tbsp (15 mL) fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp (15 mL) preserved lemon brine
1 1/4 cups (310 mL) canola oil
Salt to taste
Directions:
 In a food processor, combine egg yolks, garlic, preserved lemon, lemon juice and brine. Process until smooth and uniform. With motor running, add canola oil in a slow, steady stream until it is fully incorporated and emulsified. Taste and season with salt, if necessary. Transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 5 days.

Lentil Meatballs With Indian Coconut Curry Sauce ~ Vegetarian ~ Vegan

Lentil Meatballs With Indian Curry Sauce

This dish will fool a guest that cannot believe the "meatballs" are made of lentils and quinoa with the addition of spices.  The flavor is unbelievable!

Ingredients

Meatballs:1 cup Caviar lentils, black1 tsp Fennel seed 1/2 cup Quinoa

1/3 cup Cilantro 

1 tsp Garlic, granulated 

4 cloves Garlic 

1 tbsp Ginger, fresh 

1 Tomato, large with juices

6 oz Tofu, firm

1 14 ounce can Coconut milk

1 tbsp Lime juice

1 tsp Brown sugar 

1/4 tsp Cayenne 

1 tbsp Fenugreek, dried leaves 

1 tsp Kosher salt 

1 Pepper, fresh cracked 

1/2 tsp Salt 

1 tsp Turmeric, fresh

Oils & Vinegars
2 tbsp Olive oilDirections:On high heat, bring lentils and fennel seeds to a boil in a small pot with 3 cups water. Cover, turn heat to low and simmer 25 minutes. Drain well.

On high heat, bring quinoa to a boil in a small pot with 1 cup of water. Cover, turn heat to low, simmer 15 minutes, turn heat off, leave covered.
Make the vegan lentil meatballs. Pre-heat oven to 400F.  In a food processor, place the cooked quinoa, and half of the lentils, and pulse until the texture of coarse sand—place in a large bowl. Add the remaining lentils, salt, granulated garlic, and chopped cilantro to the bowl and mix well.
In the same food processor add the tofu (blotted well, broken apart) and olive oil.  (The tofu will bind the mixture and oil will keep them from drying out.)  Pulse tofu and oil until a smooth paste, scraping down the sides as necessary. Scoop it into the lentil mixture and mix it in well.

Make the sauce. In a skillet or saute pan, over medium heat, saute garlic and ginger in olive oil, until just golden, stirring often to prevent scorching. Add turmeric ( root, or ground) sauté 1 more minute. Add diced tomato, and sauté until most of the juices evaporate, about 5-8 minutes. Stir in coconut milk, fenugreek leaves, lime, brown sugar, salt, cayenne and pepper. Taste for salt. Bring to a simmer, then turn off the heat until ready to serve.

Prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet. With your hands, kneed lentil mixture briefly so it’s thoroughly mixed and salt and spices are evenly distributed. With wet hands form small ping pong sized balls. Place on baking sheet and place in the 400 F oven for 20-25 minutes.
5.Warm the sauce and place lentil meatballs in the sauce, and sprinkle with cilantro. Serve immediately.  Serve over rice or polenta.

Tofu is whipped in a food processor into a thick paste, and acts as the binder here. Fold this into the lentil-quinoa mixture.